Intensive Spanish Language and Biological Conservation!

Marc Hohlt Start Date: May 11, 2018 - End Date: Dec 16, 2018
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Heredia Province, Heredia, Costa Rica

My Travel Story

by: Marc Hohlt Start Date: May 11, 2018 - End Date: Dec 16, 2018
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
I'm in my final year of the International Studies program at SIUE and I'm scheduled to graduate in the summer of 2019, pending my mandatory international experience. I'm preparing to study abroad at la Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, in spring of 2019. My degree is focused on international sustainable development, and this program is perfect for both my college and career asspirations. Throughout my semester I will improve my Spanish language skills to that of an advanced user, being able to communicate both orally and written. In addition to the intensive spanish language courses, I will be in a Biological Conservation course and field study. This is a perfect opportunity to get valuable hands on experience, while enjoying one of the richest sources of biodiversity in the world. During my time in Heredia I will live and share my meals with a local host family, a perfect opportunity to fully emerse myself in the culture. As the videos in my profile show, Costa Rica has eagerly invested in sustainability for over three decades. The prospect of living in such sustainability driven society is, for me, the most exciting part of this opportunity.  My personal goal during this trip is to observe as many of these green practices as possible, and learn to adapt them in a fashion that will be easily implemented in my home community and university. 

I'm currently applying for a number scholarships and grants, and already have about half the required tuition and expenses. This trip is really important to me, and as such I'm taking a proactive approach to rasing funds for it, while I wait to hear about the scholarships I've applied to. If I recieve scholarships or funds in excess of the required amount, I intend to set up a one time scholarship for a study abroad student at my local university or donate to another student here on FundMyTavel.
  • Heredia Province, Heredia, Costa Rica

Updates

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  • Agroforesty In Costa Rica

    Agroforesty In Costa Rica
    Agroforestry is an agricultural process that incorporates the cultivation of harvest-able crops and the conservation of trees. This is a form of companion planting in which farmers use different species of plants, grown together, to control pests, increase pollination, maximize space, and enhance crop productivity. Studies have shown that mixed-species plantations can produce higher wood volume, produce both short and long term yields, and were more successful in the recuperation of undergrowth than traditional plantations. These practices have been used by indigenous people of America for 8,000-10,000 years, and became even more popular with green movement of the 1970's. In Costa Rica, farmers are provided subsidies for farming in this manner. The cost of the subsidies are payed for by a special tax on the sale of gasoline. They are particularly interested in rehabilitating abandoned pastures and other deforested lands.

    http://cusacklab.geog.ucla.edu/Montagninietal2005JSFEnvironmentalservicesAF.pdf

  • Statement Of Intent #2

    What specific goals do you have for study abroad and how do you think you might achieve these goals, both on your own and through this USAC program?


    During my study abroad in Heredia I have four specific goals in mind. The first goal is to garner a more thorough understanding of sustainable development and ecosystem management. Costa Rica is the perfect place for me to see the application and implementation of the skills I have accumulated in college, as well as expanding on that knowledge with real world experience. The program through Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica will provide the backdrop of this experience, and directly add to the process through their Conservation Biology course and field study. The second goal is to substantially advance my Spanish language skills. Again, the Heredia program proves to be the perfect spot for me to further these studies, by offering an intensive Spanish language track that will allow me to take four semesters of classes while attending the University. I will also be increasing my foreign language contact hours exponentially, providing a more thorough understanding of the language. My third goal while studying in Heredia, is to fully immerse myself in Costa Rica's culture, and experience it as comprehensively as possible. While the idea of a home stay is slightly intimidating, I believe it is the best way to immerse oneself in a new culture. With the help of my host family, I will further my understanding of the culture and increase my language skills on a daily basis. My final goal while in Costa Rica, is to get to know the locals and better understand what drives their citizens to be so nature oriented. By furthering my understanding of what drives the population to make sustainable choices, and what they do to further the goals of sustainability, I will be better equipped to implement development plans in my career. The USAC program at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica in Heredia is an outstanding opportunity for me to achieve all four of these goals.

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